LONDON -- Greco-Roman wrestler Ellis Coleman believes the U.S. Olympic team is big enough for two flying squirrels, but he is prepared to defend his right to the nickname should anyone think gymnast Gabby Douglas has the only claim.

The Oak Park-River Forest High School graduate got the moniker nearly three years ago because of his risky signature move, which requires him to somersault over his opponent and then take him down from behind. After video of the technique became an Internet sensation last year, he changed his twitter handle to @daFlyinSquirrel and friends began selling Flying Squirrel paraphernalia to help pay his mother’s way to London for the Games.

And then last month, in the ultimate act of nickname embracement, he purchased an living, breathing flying squirrel at the mall.

The nocturnal rodent -- named Rocky – cost about $500 and now lives with Coleman at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The animal’s diet consists of a lot of apples, which his owner says he eats like candy.

Coleman has spent the past few weeks trying to establish a relationship with his new pet, but so far the attempts have been unsuccessful. The wrestler says he forces Rocky to wake up and play with him during the day, but the rodent clearly resents it.

“When he has fully bonded, I can put him in my pocket and pretty much take him wherever I want to go,” Coleman told reporters at a media availability today. “I’m trying to bond with him and get on a higher level with him, but right now he bites me all the time.”

It’s mere coincidence that his roommate moved out after Rocky arrived, Coleman said.

If Rocky – who is staying with the family of the Coleman’s chiropractor for the next few weeks – doesn’t give him the rightful claim to the Flying Squirrel title, Coleman isn’t sure what will. He plans to unleash the move here if he’s losing and needs the points, but otherwise it’s too risky to use in a close Olympic match.

Coleman concedes that he has seen Douglas compete on TV and understands why she also shares the nickname. Friends have urged him to get a picture with the tiny gymnast during the Games and he plans to seek her out once his competition ends Aug. 6.

“There’s definitely room for two flying squirrels,” Coleman said. “As far as I concerned, I’m just going out and earn my name.”